Didier Drogba retires with defeat in USL Cup final

Didier Drogba has lost what could be the final game of his career, as Phoenix Rising were beaten 1-0 by Louisville City FC in the United Soccer League Cup final.

The Ivorian helped lift his side to a final, but the longtime Blues star couldn’t close his career with a trophy

A second-half goal from Louisville City’s’ Luke Spencer was just enough on Thursday night as Drogba and Phoenix fell 1-0 in the Ivorian’s final match.

The defeat marks the end of Drogba’s trophy-filled career, which included four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, a Super Lig crown, and, most memorably, the 2011-12 Champions League that saw the Ivorian score a late equalizer before winning the title with Cheslea in a penalty shootout.

The former Chelsea star had announced that he would retire back in March, calling an end to a career that has also seen stops at Le Mans, Guingamp, Marseille, Shanghai Shenhua, Galatasaray and the Montreal Impact.

In April 2017, Drogba became player-co-owner of Phoenix Rising in the second tier of US football.

Fellow owner Berke Bakay thanked him for his “amazing contributions to the beautiful sport” after Friday’s loss.

Drogba scored three goals in three matches to help lead Phoenix to the final, including a stunning free kick in the team’s postseason opener

“You have laid the foundation of something really special that we are all going to enjoy for many years to come,” tweeted Bakay.